The decision to adopt a child in India is a noble and transformative step, governed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. These stringent eligibility criteria ensure that every child placed for adoption receives a stable, loving, and secure environment. Understanding who can adopt a child is crucial, as it protects the child's best interests while preventing mismatches or legal complications. For families searching adoption near me in Delhi NCR or across India, LawChef's expert adoption services help verify eligibility early, guiding you through compliance for a smoother journey.

General Requirements for All Prospective Adoptive Parents

Prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) must be physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially capable. They should have no life-threatening medical conditions and no criminal convictions, especially related to child rights violations. These foundational criteria prioritise the child's long-term welfare and are non-negotiable under CARA guidelines.

Marital Status and Stability

Married couples require at least two years of stable marital relationship before registration, except in relative or step-parent adoptions. Both spouses must consent to the adoption. Single individuals are eligible irrespective of having biological children, but with restrictions: a single female can adopt a child of any gender, while a single male cannot adopt a girl child. This provision safeguards vulnerable children while promoting inclusivity.

Age Criteria: Ensuring Suitable Parent-Child Dynamics

Age plays a pivotal role, calculated as on the date of registration:

• For a child up to 2 years: Maximum composite age for couples is 85 years; single parent up to 40 years.

• For a child above 2 and up to 4 years: Composite age up to 90 years; single up to 45 years.

• For a child above 4 and up to 8 years: Composite age up to 100 years; single up to 50 years.

• For a child above 8 and up to 18 years: Composite age up to 110 years; single up to 55 years.

Additionally, the minimum age difference between the child and either parent must be at least 25 years. These rules (with exceptions for relative or step-parent adoptions) ensure parents have the energy and longevity to raise the child to adulthood.

Existing Children and Special Cases

Couples with two or more children are generally ineligible for regular adoption but can be considered for special needs children or hard-to-place children (e.g., older children, siblings, or those with medical conditions). This encourages placements for children who otherwise face longer waits.

Why These Criteria Matter: Protecting the Child's Future

These eligibility rules are not arbitrary; they stem from extensive research and international standards, including the Hague Convention. They prevent exploitation, ensure emotional bonding, and promote successful family integration. Strict adherence reduces post-adoption disruptions, providing stability to the child. By filtering suitable parents, CARA upholds the principle that adoption is a child-centric process, not a right of adults.

Misunderstanding or overlooking criteria can lead to registration rejections, wasted time, or emotional distress. Professional guidance helps PAPs assess eligibility accurately and explore alternatives like relative adoptions.

How LawChef Supports Your Eligibility Assessment

At LawChef, our family lawyers offer comprehensive adoption services to evaluate your eligibility under the latest CARA regulations. We assist with documentation, home study preparation, and CARINGS portal registration, ensuring compliance from the start. For those seeking reliable adoption near me in Delhi NCR—covering Noida, Gurgaon, and beyond—our pan-India expertise has helped numerous families navigate these criteria successfully.